During the 1930s Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi focused his energies on effecting Indian independence and improving the lives of the untouchables. He forged a close friendship with British socialist and activist MURIEL LESTER [1885-1968], founder of Kingsley Hall, a community center serving the East End of London. In 1934, Lester toured the earthquake-ravaged regions in Bihar with Gandhi. This letter, addressed to "Dorothy," is possibly written to Lester's sister Doris, as it contains news of Muriel, as well as of Gandhi's recovery from his August 7-14 fast protesting separate electorates for the untouchables. In part: "Muriel was very brave and made light of all the inconveniences she suffers & even the illness she had. She was ill able to stand the heat. But she defied heat and even mosquitos. On the top of that she had that most uncomfortable voyage. I was glad she soon recovered. / You will have the same warm welcome as before whenever you come. / I have your & Muriel's account. I am arranging about the balance of payment L16. There is no extra [?] in the account at all. / Thank God the fast went off as well as it did. I am slowly but steadily gaining strength." See illustration.

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